News Blog

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre reported the arrest of a Houma man for a series of shoplifting thefts at the Galliano Walmart store. Detectives arrested Webb Verdin (W/M, D.O.B. 03/04/79) of 229 Evelyn Avenue after receiving an anonymous tip which identified him from a surveillance photo.

On July 22, deputies responded to shoplifting complaints at the Walmart store located at 16759 Highway 3235 in Galliano. Through investigation, investigators learned that on July 19, a male subject stole six (6) computer tablets after prying open a locked case in the electronics section of the store. Detectives also learned the same male subject returned to the store on July 22 and stole six (6) laptop computers after severing a locking mechanism on the area where the laptops were kept. Detectives later obtained surveillance photos from the store and released those to the public to help identify the suspect.

On August 23, an anonymous tip was submitted through Bayou Region Crime Stoppers identifying the subject as Anthony Verdin of Houma. Meanwhile, employees of the Walmart store reported the same subject had stolen two additional computers and attempted to steal a television the night prior, on August 22. Employees had made contact with the man, later identified as Verdin, when he attempted to steal the television, and he fled the scene leaving the television behind.

After confirming Verdins identity as the subject who perpetrated all three crimes, detectives obtained warrants for Verdins arrest for three counts of Felony Theft, two counts of Simple Criminal Damage to Property and Attempted Felony Theft. Detectives then located and made contact with Verdin and during questioning, he admitted to the crimes. He was arrested and transported to the Lafourche Parish Detention Center where he was booked per the aforementioned warrants. He is being held in lieu of $90,000 bond as set by the warrants.

“In cases such as this, detectives are challenged with the task of utilizing an obscure photo of a suspect as perhaps their sole lead, said Sheriff Webre. Thanks to Bayou Region Crime Stoppers, we can bring the public in to assist on an active investigation to help bring a criminal to justice. We always want to remind the public that they are often the best sources of information in any investigation.” Sheriff Webre added that anyone submitting a tip through Crime Stoppers can do so with complete anonymity, whether submitting a tip via phone, text message or over the Internet.